Offline AI USB stick for blackouts and travel
PortableMind is the offline AI USB stick people ask for when they say “AI USB” or even “bunker AI USB”. Models, runtime, prompts, and UI all live on the flash drive so you can plug in, click one launcher, and keep AI running completely air-gapped.
Need a checklist? Read the bunker AI USB review & verification guide to see how PortableMind matches bunker-ready expectations.
Start here
Pick your next step for Offline AI USB
Follow the path that fits your situation: understand the launch flow, confirm specs, review privacy, and keep a fix list on hand before you travel or ride out an outage.
System requirements
Check Windows/macOS fit before you rely on it offline.
Models & presets
See what ships on the drive and how to pick the right preset.
Privacy & security
Understand the offline data path and how to harden it.
Troubleshooting
Keep the offline fix list ready for travel and outages.
PortableMind vs DIY
Decide if you want plug-and-run or to build from scratch.
Firmware 1.4
SCOUT (Vision), Chat History, Import/Export with AES file security, Disaster Mode, and the Offline Field Manual are preloaded on every stick so the current build works offline as soon as you boot it.
What is an offline AI USB?
An offline AI USB bundles the model weights, runtime, and interface onto a drive that runs on your machine. It keeps the entire AI session local: no cloud calls, no API keys, and no accounts. When you need an answer, the offline AI USB spins up on the laptop in front of you instead of depending on a datacenter that might be unreachable.
Why people call it a “bunker AI USB”
PortableMind picked up the “bunker AI USB” nickname because it is prepped for outages and go-bag duty, not just casual demos. Everything lives on the stick, it runs in airplane mode, and you can lock it away like any other emergency tool.
- Air-gapped by default—keep Wi-Fi off and still get full answers.
- Rugged enough to live in a go-bag, drawer, or safe without babysitting.
- Firmware 1.4 (current build) already installed, so you can rotate between seven offline modes without touching the cloud.
Why not just use cloud AI?
- Cloud tools die when internet or remote servers go down.
- Accounts can be locked or rate-limited when you need them most.
- Outages happen during travel, storms, or just when you're in a hurry.
What an offline AI USB gives you
- Works in a cabin, bunker, hotel Wi-Fi hell, or during an outage.
- No recurring subscription to access or protect your own data.
- You get the same tuned stack each time you plug it in.
How PortableMind's offline AI USB actually works
PortableMind ships with the models and runtime preinstalled. There's one launcher for Windows and one for macOS; they start a local AI service and open the PortableMind desktop app on your machine. Everything runs from the offline AI USB, so once it's plugged in, your prompts and answers stay on the hardware in front of you. If the UI ever fails to render, you can fall back to the local URL printed by the launcher. Firmware 1.4 (current build) includes the tuned Offline Modes, diagnostics, and prompts needed to keep this flow reliable.
See the full how-it-works flowWho actually needs an offline AI USB?
- Preppers and anyone who plans for grid-down nights.
- Remote workers and travelers stuck with unreliable connections.
- People with sensitive text who want AI help without sending it to a cloud.
- Anyone who hates reconfiguring tools on every new machine.
Ready-made offline AI USB, not a weekend project
You could assemble your own offline setup, but PortableMind is a plug-and-run build. The models, launcher scripts, and presets are already wired together so you can focus on using the AI instead of debugging it during an outage.
Get the PortableMind USBCompare to DIY OllamaOffline AI USB FAQ
Quick answers for the high-intent questions people search before buying an AI USB stick.
Want the full review?
See the bunker AI USB review for the detailed checklist and offline verification steps.
Does the PortableMind USB need the internet or an account?
No. The firmware runs locally on Windows 10/11 and macOS. Launch from the USB, keep Wi-Fi off, and the session stays on your hardware.
Does it work on both macOS and Windows?
Yes. The stick ships with separate launchers for Windows 10/11 and for macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), so you can move between laptops without reinstalling.
How long does setup take?
Plug it in, run the launcher, approve the OS prompt once, and the PortableMind app opens. Expect about a minute for the first boot while the models spin up.
What data leaves the device?
Nothing leaves unless you copy it somewhere. Prompts, outputs, and model files live in the USB workspace or on your laptop’s drive.
What ships on the USB?
Firmware 1.4 (current build): Firmware 1.4 ships with SCOUT (Vision), Chat History, Import/Export, Disaster Mode, and an Offline Field Manual—all offline. Import/Export packs include AES file security, and the Offline Field Manual (Water/Fire/First Aid/Shelter/Signal/Food) ships alongside the runtime, diagnostics, and tuned Offline Modes listed below—so there is nothing to download before you can work offline. See the 1.4 release.
How do firmware updates work?
When a new build drops we email instructions and an update pack. You choose when to apply it; the existing firmware continues running offline until you’re ready.